DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM
"Are you sure you want to study there in Elence, Iori?" Miwa asked over the phone.
"I think it would be a good opportunity for me mother," Iori explained, "especially if I am to become a good botanist someday. I've seen the campus and looked at a lot of the programs and classes they offere there. Elence is the biggest flower growth and distributor in the world. Many people come here to study botany."
He heard his mother give off a heavy sigh, "well, alright. If that's what you want. You did always want to study abroad after all. You let me know what I need to do with the finacial details when they come up and any other important functions you may need me to help with."
"Thank you mom," said Iori.
"And let me know if you need help with any living situation," said Miwa.
"You know this may sound crazy, but I wouldn't be surprised if the king agrees to let me stay at the palace the way he's taken to all of us," Iroi.
"I don't know if that's a good idea, dear. Given his nephew and all," said Miwa.
"I understand mom, but don't worry. I was going to try and find my own living place," Iori said, "speaking of which, I should go. The car to the school should be leaving soon."
"Okay take care. Call me later," Miwa said as shs and Iori hung up. Just as Iori turned his phone off, there was a knock at the door.
"Master Iori, are you almost ready to go? Princess Ema and your other brothers are near ready," came Jane's voice.
"I'm coming," Iori said as he opened the door and smiled at her. He noticed she herself was now dressed in normal clothes and carrying a book bag.
"Are you on duty?" he asked.
"Yes and no," Jane explained, "I have to get to my classes on campus and the princess was nice enough to let me ride with her in her limo. So I changed early into my school clothes even though I'm still on duty."
"Oh, I see," said Iori, "I myself have just gotten done with speaking to my mother about transferring to Elence University."
"Oh wonderful," said Jane, "do you think you'd like to join the student work program as well?"
"The what?" Iori asked.
"The student work program," Jane said as she explained to Iori again.
"Hmm, maybe I should look into that," said Iori, "it'd probably be a good work experience."
Jane nodded her head eagerly in agreement.
"So what do you study at university?" Iori asked.
"Botany mostly," said Jane, "like a great portion of the student body."
"That's why I'm hoping to study," Iori joked, "surprised?"
"Not too much," Jane joked back with a chuckle.
Soon the two were at the front hallway where the group of Ema, Yusuke, Natsume Futo and Ami, who was also now in casual clothes, all waiting with Stephon wishing Ema good luck for the day. Masaomi and Ukyo were standing behing the king as well. So were Billy, Chrissy, Richard and few other guards.
"I hope you seriously enjoy your vist," Stephon was telling her.
"I'm getting more excited for the idea," said Ema.
"The king's right Ema, you'll love the campus and everything about it," Iori said, "I actually just got done talking to mom about attending. I'll be starting the enrollment process today."
"You are? How wonderful!" Stephon said, "make sure to tell me if there's anyway I can be of help my boy."
"Thank you your majesty," said Iori, "but I think I can handle most of it on my own."
"None the less, don't hesitate to let me know if we may offer assistance. That includes letting you live in the palace while you attend school," Stephon insisted.
"Thank your majesty, I shall," Iori thanked the king as the group all headed out. Billy and Richard left with themas well as two extra guards.
"Richard, look after Ema while you're out," Stephon said seriously.
"I will your majesty, you have my word," Richard assured him.
"Wait," the group suddenly geard Subaru call out as he came dashing down the stairs. He made sure to bow to the king as he passed.
"Joing us are you Master Subaru?" Richard asked.
"Yes, sorry I'm late, couldn't find my water bottle. I wanted to see the sports program," said Subaru, "if that's alright."
"No it's fine, maybe we can finally have our match," said Richard sounding amused of the idea.
Subaru nodded in agreement as everyone left.
"And now I beleive it's your gentelmen's turn to be off?" Stephon asked looking at Masaomi and Ukyo.
"Yes, got to get to the house of council to work on that hospital project," said Ukyo.
"I think Ema's really excited about this," said Stephon, "even if she goes to Japan after all of this is done, I'm sure she'll be happy with the notion of she did something good for her home country if this is a success."
"All the more reason we have to work hard to make sure it is for her," said Ukyo.
Just then the palace doora opened and in walked Lord Markus along with a young girl no older than 20 with pale yellow, almost white hair.
"Good morning your majesty," Markus said as he bowed, along with the girl.
"Good morning, I see you brought young Lady Sophie," said Stephon.
"Your Majesty," Sophie said bowing again.
"This young woman will be fulfilling the position of Wataru's tutor," Stephon told Masaomi and Ukyo, "she's Markus' great-neice and student-teacher."
"Nice to meet you," said Masaomi.
"Thank you, I will do my best for your little brother," said Sophie.
"Has someone summoned the boy?" Stephon asked.
"Found him," an old butler said with a slight smirk as he led Wataru into the main hallway, "caught him trying to sneak out to the stables."
"Wataru," both Masaomi and the king scolded together. Stephon actually chuckled at it.
"I just wanted to see Wind Storm," Wataru muttered.
"And you will in time, but for now, say hello to your tutor Lady Sophie," said Stephon.
"Hello Wataru, I hope you and I can be good friends," said Sophie.
Wataru looked at her a little stunned.
"You're pretty!" he declared.
"Oh, thank you," Sophie said with a slight blush.
"Sophie, why don't you take Wataru to the library and begin his lessons?" Markus suggested.
"Yes, Uncle," said Sophie, "come on Wataru, let's hurry and go. The sooner we do, the sooner you can go see your horse."
"Oh, there's no rush," Wataru said weakly as he followed behing Sophie almost in a daze.
"Oh dear, I do believe Wataru has a little crush on your neice Markus," Stephon teased.
"Ah, happens almost everywhere she goes," Markus said with a chuckle.
"At least he's not grumpy about it now," said Masaomi.
Both he and Ukyo bowed to the king before walking out.
"Look at you, acting like the family man," Markus said with an amusing tone.
"This feels great Markus," Stephon declared, "I feel so much more alive now with Ema and her brothers here together! It's incredible! It's almost as though I've finally gained that big family Wilma and I wanted so badly!"
"That's wonderful," Markus congratulated him, "if only she could be here to enjoy it as well."
"She'd be tickled pink!" Stephon said, "of course, with a big family, comes the cons as well. Like say taking serious actions against one when they don't do as you ask."
Markus chuckled, "well no one ever said being a family is easy."
"Yes, but this has to be done," Stephon insisted nodding to Chrissy who nodded and walked off.
Louis sat up in his bed and stretched. He gave off a happy and satisfied moan.
"You sound happy this morning," said Hailey from his dresser.
"I feel better and that always put me in a good mood," said Louis. He looked at his clock, "oh maybe that's why. It's so late in the morning."
"You are more welcome to sleep in I'm sure," said Hailey.
"Thank you Young Hailey," said Louis as he got up and dressed. He outstretched his hand for Hailey to leap to and run up his arm to his shoulder.
"So Hailey, do you know anything about hairstyles?" Louis asked.
"Not really, I'm a squirrel," said Hailey, "but I can learn."
"Good, because there's a few people I still owe a haircut to from yesterday," said Louis.
"Just don't overdo it, you wouldn't want to worry the king or his granddaughter again," said Hailey.
"No, of course not," said Louis. He patted Hailey's head as he kept walking. "Now, let's see who can I talk to about getting set up."
"So am I correct in assuming that you are the at the top of your class, Wataru?" he suddenly heard a sweet and kind voice from below.
Louis looked over the railing and saw Wataru walking with a strange woman with plae hair.
"Oh my, what an unique color hair," said Louis, "can only imagine how lovely I could style it."
"That's Sophie Arku, the daughter of Wendy Arku, Lord Markus' neice," Hailey told him.
"Oh, so she's another relative?" Louis asked.
"Not exactly," said Hailey, "she's only Lord Markus' neice by marrige. His wife, Lady Henrietta and Sophie's grandmother were sisters. She and Sophie's grandfather died when Wendy was a child so Lord Markus and Lady Henrietta adopted her and raised her as their own, along side their own children. And then when Wendy was all grown up, she and her husband's jobs took them away from home quite often. So Lord Markus and his wife looked after Sophie a lot growing up."
"Oh, so she has a little understanding of being raised by foster parents?" Louis said out loud as he hurried down after the pair.
Sofia turned around at the sound of Louis' approach and stopped when she saw him.
"Are you, Louis? Walter and Georgette's son?" she asked.
"Yes, hello," said Louis kindly.
"Louis, what are you doing here?" Wataru asked cautiously, holding Sophie's hand.
"Sorry, I was just introducing myself to the young lady," said Louis.
"She's my teacher! Go away!" Wataru snapped.
"Wataru!" Sophie said.
"Don't worry, I won't interfere with your lessons Wataru. I'm sorry to say this but I was just captivated by Lady Sophie's hair. It's very lovely," said Louis.
"How did you know my name?" asked Sophie before she cast a glance at Hailey. "Oh you have a squirrel too. And I take it you can speak to them?"
"Yes, she sort of attached herself to me last night," Louis said patting her.
"Oh you have a pet squirrel like Big Sister! I want to see!" Wataru insisted as he manged to pluck Hailey from Louis' shoulder.
"Wataru, careful with her. She's feisty. Took on full grown man yesterday," said Louis.
"Don't worry," Hailey assured as she kindly rubbed against Wataru's cheek, "he doesn't look dangerous to me."
"Was she talking to you?" Sophie asked.
"Oh yes," said Louis.
"I always thought it was cute to see Uncle Markus talk to them," said Sophie, "I wish I could understand them."
Louis nodded. "Lady Sophie, may I ask you something? After you are done with Wataru's classes, may I have a chance to style your hair?"
"My hair?" Sophie said feeling it.
"I would enjoy styling it," said Louis.
Sophie blushed again, "sure, when I'm done with Wataru's session."
"But, we don't have to rush it right?" Wataru asked.
Both adults looked at her.
"Well see," said Sophie, "it depends on how much teaching I think you need."
"Oh I need lots of help!" Wataru insisted.
Sophie giggled as she and Wataru walked onward to the library.
"I wonder if your little brother has a crush on Lady Sophie," said Hailey.
"I beleive so," said Louis, "she does seem like a lovely young lady."
Stephon sighed as he sat in his office looking towards the window as the door opened.
"Found him," said Chrissy as she led Tsubaki in.
"Thank you, leave us be, please," said Stephon.
Chrissy walked out and shut the door.
"Sit down Tsubaki," Stephon instructed. Tsubaki quickly did as he was told.
"Tsubaki, I'll admit there are things that happen in my palace that can and will get past me. However, I'm not a simpleton. I can tell when things happen, such as you spending alone time with Lady Beatrice!"
"Oh crud," Tsubaki muttered.
"Tsubaki, let be frank. I don't deny it's a little unfair what the poor woman is facing in regards to being promised to Robert. Be that as it may though, she is still promised to Robert and there's little I can do stop it. There are things I can control and even if it seems unfair, one of those things is controlling on who she is around. And I don't want to abuse my power as king, but I will if I think it's for the best. So that why I want to at least ask now, please don't see Lady Beatrice anymore, especially alone."
Tsubaki sighed.
"Your Majesty, please rest assured, nothing is happening between the two of us," said Tsubaki, "we're just friends."
"Friends?" Stephon said, "and is it normal for a guy and girl friend to spend the whole night together alone?"
"Well, I guess," said Tsubaki.
Stephon sighed, "Tsubaki, I'm not trying to be rude or cruel. But if word were to get out that you are spending time alone with Bea, it would be seen as a scandal regardless! And I don't want that, especially if it could get Ema involved! And with you as her brother and getting caught with Bea, you can rest assured she'd be caught up in the aftermath."
"I understand," Tsubaki admitted, "I'll do my best not to be alone with Bea anymore."
"Thank you," said Stephon, "I'm sorry about this. You are free to go."
"Uh, actually your majesty, can I ask you a question?" Tsubaki spoke up.
"By all means," said Stephon.
"Do you remember ever hearing about a type of Shakespeare competition here in the palace?" Tsubaki asked.
"Oh yes, King Fredrik the 9th use to have them for his wife. They were real popular back in the day," said Stephon with a smile.
"Would you ever want to consider doing one again?" Tsubaki asked.
Stephon's eyes widen at Tsubaki's request.
"You'd want to do a Shakespeare competition?" he asked.
"I think it would be great. You could even try building an outdoor theater like the ones they use to have," Tsubaki insisted.
Stephon thought about it. "I suppose, it might be nice and I am a little softy when it comes to letting you gentelmen find something you'd like to do while you're here. Let me think on it for a while."
"Thank you your majesty," Tsubaki said as he bowed, "and don't worry, I'll honor your request in regards to Lady Bea.
"Thank you," said Stephon, "I'd hate to have to assign you a personal guard."
"Yes, of course," Tsubaki said as he snuck out. He did smile with pride however.
'Even if we can't hang out, at least I can help her do something enjoyable in her life for once,' he thought.
Ema sat inmiddle of the limo's group as she tried looking out the window to get a better look at Elence. She remembered how she hadn't really paid attention when she visit the House of Council, but now, she had a good chance to really see the place she was apparently princess of. The place, had her mother and father made it back, she would one day be ruling.
From what she could see, it was actually a beautiful and peaceful place to live. The people driving or walking past were going about their day-to-day lives without looking like anything was wrong.
"Richard, do you know if Elence is doing well with it's economy and environments?" she suddenly asked.
""Oh the environment here in Elence is superb," Richard said, "they have to if they want to maintain its main source of income, flower and gardening around the world. As for the economy, it's been thriving for the most part since after WW2. King Albert and your grandfather, along with the several different prime ministers we've had over the years have done well to keep people happy and prosperous."
"Do you think Robert will keep that up once he's king?" Ema asked slightly worried.
Richard sighed, "we'll see, we'll see. He may keep doing what your grandfather is doing or try his own way that helps."
"You don't think he's going to though, do you?" Yusuke asked.
"I didn't say that," Richard said in an overly sarcastic voice looking away and tapping his nose.
"Well maybe he'll surprise us all and be a good king?" Ema said timidly.
"Yeah or have a heart attack right before he's crowded," muttered Billy.
"Now that would surprise ua," said Yusuke.
"Could Robert be overthrown?" Ema asked.
"Yes, if every member of Parliament and the House of Council votes unanimously to have him removed from the throne. Then if that happens, they can help the royal family select a new ruler or, again it'll have to be unanimous, they can vote to dissolve the monarch all together."
"Dissolve the monarch?" Ema sputtered. For some reason the idea of that happening disturbed her. Like she didn't want to think her mother and grandfather's legacy be dissolved, even if it meant Robert wouldn't be in control.
"Ah, looks like we'll be at the university soon," said Richard suddenly looking out the windwo.
Ema, Yusuke, Futo Subaru, and even Natsume moved towarss a window in the car to get a look. They were on a road, driving to a gate with two openings, one for going in, the other going out. Separating the two roads was a tall bronze statue of a man dressed in uniform complete with sword and his hand on his jacket and a serious face.
"Is that another king?" Natsume asked about the statue.
"King Fredrik the 6th, the official founder of the university," said Richard.
"The offcial founder?" Yusuke asked.
"Well there's some debate as to who actually founded the university and or who got it to be as successful as it is now among some of the other former kings and even other offcials of the country. It's just certain circumstances led to Fredrik the 6th getting the main credit," Richard explained.
"Am I still a decadent from him? Or was there some sort of change between him and I?" Ema asked.
"No, you're a decadent from him. Way down the line though," said Richard.
"I wonder how he'd feel about me? Especially being half Japanese," said Ema.
"Don't worry about that," Richard insisted as the car kept driving.
The university looked amazing to say the least. So many big building and wings with all sorts of students walking around or hanging out together. Not to mention a few things of art work scattered around on the grounds. But what really stood out was how many different flower beds and gardens of the most unique and beautiful plant life Ema had ever seen.
As the limo pulled up closer to the biggest building on campus, several passersby started to notice the limo and started to follow it on foot, eager to see who was inside.
"Do they know this is a royal limo?" Natsume asked.
"Oh yeah, it has the marks to identify it as such. Of courseil, I tried using the less visible limo but it looks like it might not have gone unnoticed," said Richard.
"Yeah, there's even a big crowd at the building waiting for us," Subaru mentioned.
"Must be the dean and a few other higher up staff," said Richard as the car came to a stop.
"Don't get out until I tell you it's safe Princess," Richard ordered as he got out of one door and Billy got out of another. Ema could also see the driver and two other guards in the front seat get out as well. She watched as Billy and the other two gaurds seem to joing the school security on crowd control, ushering a lot of people back and away from the car until the area was clear enough. It was then the chauffeur opened the door.
"You may come out now Princess," said Richard. Ema slowly crawled to the door and let Richard help her out. The minute she was standing upright on the sidewalk, she heard screams and shouts.
"It's her! The princess!"
"Princess Emma in person!"
"Oh my God, Princess Emma!"
"Hey Princess! Look this way!"
"Hey Princess, are you going to school here?!"
"What are you going to take?!"
Princess are you single?!"
Ema sheepishly waved to the people as she walked by and her brothers were able to get out of the limo as well. That got a louder screem from the crowd.
"Oh my God! Look at those handsome guys!"
"I heard she had a couple of stepbrothers! Think those are them?!"
"Does she have some stepsisters too?" someone asked most likely referring to Ami and Jane.
Suddenly the screams got even louder.
Ema turned around to see what the problem was and realized Futo had gotten out.
"Futo!"
Futo!"
"Futo Asahina!"
"Oh my god!"
"This is going to be a day no one here is ever going to forget," Jane said out loud.
"Yeah, looks like," said Iori with a chuckle.
Ema turned her attention to the orginal group of people who had been waiting for her. A middle aged man, wearing a light gray suit walked up to Ema slowly and bowed.
"Princess Emma, welcome to Elence University," he said, "I'm Dean Shrouder, and it's an honor to have you here with us today."
"Thank you," said Ema.
"Allow me to introduce you to some of the other staff and then show you around the school your mother, grandfather and many more before them studied and learned to become the great leaders of Elence we all know and adore."
"I appreciate that," said Ema, "it'll be nice to learn more of my roots."
"Indeed," said Dean Shrouder.
"May some of my brothers be allowed to explore on their own?" Ema asked.
"Of course of course," said the dean, "just be careful."
"Can you tell me where the history building is? I actually have an appointment with a Professor Smith?" Natsume asked.
"Oh yes," said one of the other staff members meeting Ema, "just take the first pathway to your left behind the administration building and stay on it until you come to a yello brick building with a big number 12 on it. You can't miss it."
"Thank you," said Natsume.
"Good luck Natsume,' said Ema.
"And where's the sports complex?" Subaru asked.
"Oh, it's on the other side of the campus," said the dean, "I can call for someone to get a cart to drive you over there."
"No that's fine, I could use the walk," Subaru insisted as he walked on.
"You'll know it when you see it, I promise," said Dean Shrouder.
"Thank you," Subaru called back as he walked on more.
"And I need to go get started on enrollment," Iori said.
"Oh, planning on studying here are we?" Dean Shrouder said.
"Allow me assist you personally," another member of the welcoming committee said as he walked over to Iori and led him in.
"Yes, Dr. Wilton will take good care of your brother, your highness," Dean Shouder assured Ema, "now, on with the tour."
"Thank you," said Ema, feeling eager to see what else Elence had to show her.